Use baking soda to tackle dandruff. © Shutterstock
For those of us who don t like trying home remedies for dandruff, anti dandruff shampoos seem like the best bet. But exactly how effective is your anti-dandruff shampoo? Is it doing the job of clearing out dandruff from your scalp? Or is it making it worse? Most of us don t bother reading ingredient labels at the back of shampoo bottles or other beauty products and generally go for the ones that are popular or recommended by friends. But how do you know if your anti dandruff shampoo will work for you? We asked Dr Jaishree Sharad about the ingredients one should watch out for while buying anti dandruff shampoos and how to effectively use them to get rid of dandruff. This is what she had to say:
The most effective ingredients that help fight dandruff:
1) Ketoconazole- This has anti fungal properties. This also takes care of follicular inflammation.
2) Zinc pyrithione- This is super effective for not just dandruff but also skin conditions like dry and sensitive skin, psoriasis and eczema. Zinc Pyrithione also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
3) Ciclopirox olamine- This anti fungal ingredient Is found in most anti dandruff shampoos and is recommended for those with seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Are anti dandruff shampoos the total solution for dandruff?
When it comes to dandruff, climate, pollution and stress play a major role. So an anti dandruff shampoo alone will not be able to take care of dandruff. Seborrhoic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis can be confused with dandruff. So if dandruff is persistent, one must consult a dermatologist to rule out these inflammatory scalp disorders.
It is also important to note that hair products like oil residues, leave on conditioners, serums and hair gels worsen dandruff.
How often should one wash hair with anti dandruff shampoos?
Generally, you should wash your hair with anti dandruff shampoos about twice a week for 6 weeks for the dandruff to go away completely.
Tips for using conditioners when you have dandruff
Avoid leave in conditioners and serums. Use a conditioner only on your hair and not the scalp. Apply only once a week.
Avoid these dandruff mistakes.
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